Nutrition

What do the ‘e’ numbers on food labels mean?

Every ‘e’ number on food labels has a meaning. They are food additives used to enhance products’ taste, texture, appearance, and shelf life. Here we discuss their different types, what to be wary of, and their safety controversies by wandaparkinson
Estimated reading time: 2 min 54 sec
What do the ‘e’ numbers on food labels mean? Photo by Mat Kedzia on Pexels

When you pick up a packaged food item, you’ll likely notice a series of letters and numbers listed under the ingredients section. These are known as ‘e’ numbers or food additives.

In essence, they are substances that are added to foods to enhance their taste, appearance or shelf life. But what do these ‘e’ numbers signify and which ones should you be wary of?.

What are ‘e’ numbers?

‘E’ numbers, also known as food additives, are substances that are added to foods for various reasons. They can be natural or synthetic and are used to improve texture, taste, appearance or shelf life.

In Europe, all food additives are given an identification number that starts with the letter ‘E’ to comply with the regulations laid down by the European Union.

The different types of ‘e’ numbers

‘E’ numbers can be categorized into various groups based on the roles they play. Some of these groups include:.

Emulsifiers

Emulsifiers are substances that are added to foods to help stabilize them by preventing them from separating. They are often used in products such as salad dressings and creamy sauces.

Common emulsifiers include lecithin (E322), mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (E471) and polyglycerol esters of fatty acids (E475).

Preservatives

Preservatives help to prevent the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold in foods. They are added to foods to prolong their shelf life. Common preservatives include potassium sorbate (E202), sodium nitrite (E250), and sodium benzoate (E211).

Colorants

Colorants are food additives added to foods to give them a particular color. They are often used in products such as candies, soft drinks, and baked goods. Common colorants include tartrazine (E102) and yellow sunset (E110).

However, many artificial colorants have been linked to behavioral problems in children and are banned in some countries.

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Flavor enhancers

Flavor enhancers are food additives that are added to foods to enhance their flavor. They can be synthetic or extracted from natural sources. Common flavor enhancers include monosodium glutamate (MSG) (E621) and disodium inosinate (E631).

What ‘e’ numbers should you watch out for?

The safety of ‘e’ numbers has been a subject of controversy for many years. While some ‘e’ numbers are harmless, others have been linked to health issues such as allergies, asthma and even cancer.

Here are some ‘e’ numbers that you should be wary of:.

Aspartame (E951)

Aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener that is used in many low-calorie foods and beverages. It has been linked to a number of health issues including headaches, dizziness, and even cancer.

While it is approved by the FDA, it is banned in some countries.

Sodium Nitrate (E250) and Sodium Nitrite (E251)

Sodium Nitrate and Sodium Nitrite are commonly used preservatives in processed meats such as bacon, ham, and sausages. They have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly colon cancer.

BHA (E320) and BHT (E321)

BHA and BHT are synthetic antioxidants that are added to foods to prevent them from oxidizing, which can lead to spoilage.

They have been associated with health issues such as liver and kidney damage, behavioral problems in children, and an increased risk of cancer.

Conclusion

‘E’ numbers are a necessary evil in the food industry. While some additives are harmless, others have been linked to serious health issues.

It is important to read food labels carefully and be aware of the ‘e’ numbers that are used in your foods. Opt for natural foods whenever possible and limit your intake of processed foods.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

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